Grace Lieblein Named GM Vice President Global Purchasing

General Motors has named Grace Lieblein vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, effective immediately. In her new role, Lieblein will be responsible for GM’s purchasing activities and supply chain and logistics operations worldwide.

She succeeds Bob Socia, who was appointed president, GM China, and Chief Country Operations Officer, China, India and ASEAN in September. In her new role, Lieblein will report to GM Vice Chairman Stephen Girsky.

“Grace’s track record is a diverse and very successful one that has prepared her well for this critical role,” said Girsky. “Her wealth of experience in product development, manufacturing and general management gives her the insight needed to lead our Global Purchasing and Supply Chain organization and develop mutually beneficial and productive relationships with our suppliers.”

Prior to this appointment, Lieblein had been president and managing director of GM do Brasil since April 2011. She previously was president and managing director, GM de Mexico.

Lieblein, 52, joined GM in 1978 as a co-op student at General Motors Assembly Division in Los Angeles. Since then, she has held a variety of leadership positions in engineering, product development and manufacturing.

Lieblein also was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Honeywell International, Inc.

Lieblein will manage the global purchasing and supply chain organization from Brazil until she relocates to Detroit early next year. Jaime Ardila, regional president of GM South America will temporarily assume the presidency of GM do Brasil on a temporary basis.

Kim Brycz, who served as acting vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain since October 3, will continue in her role as executive director, Indirect Materials, Machinery and Equipment.